Discord Faces Backlash as DeFi Protocols Seek Safer Communication

TLDR

DeFi protocols like Morpho and DefiLlama are moving away from Discord due to growing security concerns. Phishing attacks on Discord have become a major issue, with scammers targeting users seeking help. Morpho switched its Discord server to read-only mode and is exploring safer tools like Intercom. DefiLlama has reduced its reliance on Discord, opting for live support chats and email ticket systems. Industry experts argue that public Discord servers have become inefficient and difficult to secure for crypto projects.

DeFi protocols are increasingly moving away from public Discord servers due to growing concerns over security issues. Platforms like Morpho and DefiLlama have shifted focus to more secure communication tools as scammers continue to target crypto users. Discord, once a community hub for DeFi projects, now faces criticism for becoming a hotspot for phishing attacks and other scams.

Morpho's shutting down its public Discord. Didn't see that coming.

This could be a trend for other protocols too—scams, bot scraping, or just too much noise might be at play. But maybe its also signals that big DeFi teams are focusing more on institutions and less on… pic.twitter.com/k3UeCKXyaS

— Anton Cheng (@antonttc) January 14, 2026

DeFi Protocols Move to Safer Alternatives

DeFi lending protocol Morpho recently moved its public Discord server to read-only mode. The platform, known for its focus on decentralized lending, pointed to the rising threat of phishing attempts within the community. Morpho’s co-founder, Merlin Egalite, explained that despite implementing heavy monitoring and safeguards, scammers continued to target users.

“We tested tools like Intercom, which offered features like ticket management and AI support,” said Egalite, emphasizing the need for safer channels.

DefiLlama, a leading DeFi data platform, also decided to reduce its reliance on Discord. Its pseudonymous founder, 0xngmi, stated that the platform’s open environment made it impossible to adequately protect users. In a public post, 0xngmi highlighted the difficulty of preventing scammers from contacting users directly through private messages. The platform has shifted towards live support chat and email ticket systems to better safeguard its users.

Concerns Over Security and User Experience

The DeFi community has grown increasingly frustrated with Discord’s inability to stop scams. Richard Rodairos, a talent partner at Dragonfly, argued that public Discord channels have become a “low signal surface” for crypto communities. He believes that users would benefit more from structured support systems and clear documentation rather than the chaotic nature of always-on chat rooms.

Marc Zeller, founder of the Aavechan Initiative, also voiced concerns about Discord’s security issues. He described Discord as “full of scammers,” highlighting how fake administrators often target users seeking help. Zeller supported Morpho’s decision and urged other DeFi projects to follow suit. He stressed the importance of creating a safer environment for users, free from the constant threat of scams.

Moving from Discord was not an easy choice BUT:
– Discord is actually full of scammers. people would get phished while actually searching for answers despite heavy monitoring, safeguards, etc.
– We've been testing intercom so far and it has made support 100x easier: instant… https://t.co/L0kvzB1YGm

— Merlin Egalite (@MerlinEgalite) January 14, 2026

Despite these challenges, some members of the community argue that abandoning Discord entirely could hurt DeFi’s core values. A user on X, identified as Llamaonthebrink, noted that one of DeFi’s main attractions was the ability to engage directly with projects through Discord. They expressed hope that the departure from Discord would not become a widespread trend.

Other community members, such as X user nft_dreww, suggested that the problem lies more in how Discord is managed rather than the platform itself. They argued that well-moderated and secure Discord servers can still provide a vibrant and safe space for users. Similarly, X user Walter_Su11ivan maintained that the issue was not with the platform but with the quality of moderation, stating that many projects continue to run healthy and secure communities.

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